Match Point . Westminster . • Misha Lenn
WESTMINSTER CARES
The Westminster Kennel Club is one of the oldest mission-based organizations in the world dedicated to dogs . As a 501 ( c )( iv ) non-profit , Westminster celebrates the companionship of dogs while promoting canine health , breed preservation , and responsible dog ownership in part through donating and partnering with like-minded organizations .
BREED RESCUE AWARDS
Each year proceeds from the WKC commemorative poster sales support breed rescue through the Westminster Breed Rescue Awards . The Awards offer $ 5,000 each to 3 American Kennel Club ( AKC ) -recognized national breed clubs engaged in dog rescue activities . For 2023 , the organizations are the Havanese Club of America Rescue , the Newfoundland Club of America Rescue , and the Lagotto Romagnolo Dog Rescue , Inc .
The donations will be recognized during the FOX Sports telecast of the 147th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show .
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These awards help offset rescue-related expenses such as transportation , veterinary care , grooming , boarding , feeding , and training . In addition , these funds will assist the clubs in educating new owners about the joy of owning these specific breeds while finding new homes for purpose-bred dogs .
147th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show l May 6-9 , 2023 l New York
CANINE HEALTH
PURPLE LEASH PROJECT
The Club will support Purina and Red Rover ’ s Purple Leash Project for the fourth year . To date , over $ 16,000 in donations have come from the proceeds of the WKC on-site merchandise store . The Purple Leash Project was born out of Purina ’ s mission to bring and keep pets and people together and works to make domestic violence shelters pet friendly . Today , 17 % of domestic violence shelters are pet-friendly , and Purina is working to help ensure that at least 25 % of shelters will welcome pets by 2025 . Spectators and handlers at the dog show are encouraged to wear purple lapel ribbons to display their support .
Keeping dogs healthy has been paramount to the Westminster Kennel Club ’ s mission for more than a century . The Club launched the WKC Veterinary Scholarship program 36 years ago and has given over $ 4.8 million in scholarship support to date . Westminster ’ s ongoing scholarship program assists students at :
CORNELL UNIVERSITY : College of Veterinary Medicine MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY : College of Veterinary Medicine THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA : School of Veterinary Medicine TUFTS UNIVERSITY : Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY : College of Veterinary Medicine , Nursing and Allied Health
Each year Embark donates $ 10,000 to canine health research in the name of the Westminster Best in Show winning dog . Last year in the name of Trumpet , the Bloodhound , Embark donated to the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation . The Westminster Kennel Club has contributed to this organization for decades and is proud to offer ongoing support at the event .
WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB 2023